Hana 2 – X-Beam 4

Hana opened fiercely but X-Beam remained patient throughout knowing that they have skill and experience on their side. This meant little in the opening quarter of the match with Guinean import Moussa Kourouma troubling the X-Beam backline on more a few occasions. X-Beam’s patience paid off past the half hour mark with a penalty awarded to them following a foul on Joses Nawo by the Hana goalkeeper, Timothy Mae’arasia. Kidston Billy took the kick and made no mistake giving his side the lead. The heavy downpour that opened with the match drenched the pitch which made it difficult for both sides to defend and counter attack effectively. Long passes were held up by pools of water and tackling became a more serious hazardas Tome Faisi learnt just before halftime when he was sent off after receiving his second yellow. With the condition of the pitch slightly improved in the second half both clubs reverted to their favoured game plan – keeping the ball on the ground and using speed. This saw X-Beam extend their lead in the 57th minute with an individual run and finish to the far post.Carroll Kakate, back from suspension, got in on the action 10 minutes later with a powerful shot into the back of the net from a half-hearted clearance by Ian Sida. Hana were further punished when a penalty was awarded to X-Beam and Billy netted his second of the match effectively taking the match out of reach of their opponents. Hana’s spirits, however, were not dampened by the four goal deficit and continued to pressure X-Beam who opted to slow the game down to eat up time. Keiki Tsuruta scored a respect goal, his second in as many matches for Hana, with a well taken effort inside the X-Beam penalty zone. Once again the crowd made known its admiration or the Japanese player with a rapturous applause from both sides of the camp. Hana scored again in the 78th minute from the third penalty awarded in the match but X-Beam were well away with the win and held on for a comfortable and rejuvenating victory.View standings after match.Match Summary0’ Match kicks off5’ Match opens evenly with Hana getting a slight advantage in possession6’ Moussa Kourouma sends a free kick too high 21’ Alfred Keni’s header is on target but John Anita clears from the line 33’ A penalty is awarded to X-Beam after Joses Nawo was fouled by Timothy Mae’arasia34’ Goal: Hana 0 – X-Beam 1: Kidston Billy tucks the penalty away45’ Red Card: Tome Faisi is red carded for a second bookable offenceHalf time is calledSecond half is on51’ Billy picks up a poor clearance and shoots but his attempt is just wide57’ Goal: Hana 0 – X-Beam 2: Nawo breaks free from his marker and shoots for the far post to extend the lead to 2-066’ Goal: Hana 0 – X-Beam 3: Carrol Kakate gets in on the action with an effort taken from rebound hit powerfully into the back of the net 68’ A penalty is awarded to X-Beam for a foul on Billy69’ Goal: Hana 0 – X-Beam 4: Billy sends the penalty in to the back of the net 72’ Goal: Hana 1 – X-Beam 4: Keiki Tsuruta hammers home a shot from loose ball outside the X-Beam penalty box 77’ A penalty is awarded to Hana for Eddie Ramo’s foul on Kourouma78’ Goal: Hana 2 – X-Beam 4: Kourouma scores the penalty 90’ Two minutes of additional time is indicated90’ + 1’ Kakate is free for goal but his shot is wideThe match ends

About SIFF

Football is officially recognised as the national sport in the Solomon Islands. With numerous competitions running year-round, the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has a busy time ensuring the game continues to grow and develop. SIFF was founded in 1978 and became a full FIFA member in 1988 largely thanks to the late Alan Boso who saw the potential of Solomon Islands football. Since then the association has grown from strength to strength.